What is acetate?

Ksenia Gaynulina

March 7, 2015

Acetate is an ether or salt of acetic acid, its name comes from the Latin name for vinegar.

Also referred to as acetate are artificial materials obtained from a solution of cellulose acetate in organic acids. Artificial materials, unlike synthetics, are natural raw materials that have undergone special processing.

Acetate is used to replace wool in products that require a thinner fabric and as an addition to the threads of other materials to reduce creasing.

In addition, some types of material are used as an electrical insulating material.

Pros and cons of acetate materials

According to their characteristics, acetate fabrics are more like silk, as they are more elastic, smooth and soft to the touch than viscose and are less crushed. They also have a more aesthetic look. Poorly absorbed water and dry quickly, but can be deformed when washed.

In addition, acetate has a relatively low strength, which becomes even lower when the fabric is wet.In addition, products made of acetate fabrics quickly wear out and do not tolerate high temperatures. Because of what they should be washed and ironed at a very low temperature. They become strongly electrified and become unusable on contact even with weak alkalis.

At present, various modifications are being used to obtain acetate fabrics, which make it possible to obtain a material with higher quality and strength.